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Staten Island, NY - The Wagner College men's basketball team will host Saint Francis U for the Seahawks' first home conference game of the season on Saturday, with tip-off set for 1:00 pm.
 
Epic Comeback Falls Just Short
 
Trailing 60-34 with 13 minutes to play, Wagner rallied and took a 67-66 lead with two minutes to play, but it wasn't enough, as the Seahawks fell 69-67 at LIU in the Northeast Conference (NEC) opener for both teams on Thursday night.
 
The Floor General
 
Junior Javier Ezquerra was once again a key in Wagner's offensive effort against LIU, contributing 13 points and nine assists. Over his last three games, Ezquerra has 23 assists and just one turnover while averaging 13.3 points.
 
Last week, Ezquerra became just the eighth player in the nation this season with at least 15 points, seven assists, and seven rebounds without committing a turnover in Wagner's win over Manhattan, earning NEC Prime Performer honors in the process.
 
Council Continues To Impress
 
With 15 points and eight rebounds against LIU, junior Melvin Council Jr. fell just short of his third straight double-double, but continues to pace the Seahawks in most offensive categories. Council entered the week fifth in the NEC in scoring at 14.3 points per game. He also came into conference play ranking tenth in rebounding (4.9), fourth in assists (3.4), ninth in steals (1.6), second in A/TO ratio (3.42) and sixth in FT percentage (.763).
 
Allen Starts To Heat Up
 
Junior Tahron Allen led the Seahawks in scoring for the second consecutive game with 16 points against the Sharks. Allen led the Seahawks with 17 points against Manhattan, scoring 13 points in the second half. Allen has scored double-digit points in four of his last five games, averaging 12.4 points per game over that stretch.
 
The Wagner DNA
 
The Seahawks entered conference play with the top scoring defense in the NEC at 62.8 points per game, which is good for 18^th nationally. Wagner came into the week holding opponents to 28.6% from long range, which ranks 30^th nationally and first in the NEC. On the offensive glass, Wagner ranks 73^rd in the country and first in the conference with 12.5 offensive rebounds per game.
 
Taking Care Of The Ball
 
Wagner's 9.4 turnovers per game are now up to 11th in the country and first in the NEC. The Seahawks' turnover margin of 3.3 is good for 43^rd nationally.
The Series
 
The Seahawks have won six of their last seven matchups against the Red Flash, including a regular season split last year.
 
In the last meeting between the two teams, Wagner picked up a 68-58 road victory in Loretto.
 
Scouting The Red Flash
 
SFU enters Saturday's matchup with a 5-9 overall record and 0-1 record in league action after a 67-79 loss at Sacred Heart on Thursday. Saturday's game marks head coach Rob Krimmel's 350^th game as the Red Flash's head coach.
 
Next Up
 
The Seahawks will host Stonehill on Monday, January 15, with tip-off set for 1:00 pm.